Parents `R' Staying With Same Letter

June 23, 1999|MELISSA L. SALUS

When Renata and Rafael Estrada were choosing names for their first child, the Coconut Creek couple wanted to find something that started with the letter "R."

"We wanted a name with an `R,' and we looked up Ryan, and it meant `Little King,' so we really liked the name," said Renata Estrada. "Now if we have a girl, we'll name it Rebecca, and if we have a boy, I don't know what I'll name it. But that's not for another couple of years. We gotta enjoy this one."

Ryan Estrada was born at Coral Springs Medical Center on March 25.

The baby is the first grandchild for Provi and Rafael Estrada of Orlando and Ronaldo Carvalho of Brazil, who came to the United States for his grandson's arrival.

"It was a great experience," Renata Estrada said. "Everybody is real excited. They're all as excited as we are. We love being parents."

Ryan's parents said that out of everything he does, their favorite activity is watching their child smile and laugh.

"We love being the first to see everything he does," said the baby's mother. "He giggled for the first time the other day. When we walk around the room, he'll follow us with his eyes."

Renata Estrada even said that her husband "loves changing diapers," and that she has "hardly had to do any diaper changing."

"I look forward to everything he does," Rafael Estrada said.

The newborn's uncle and godfather, Rene Estrada, who lives in Sunrise, is also looking forward to spending quality time with his nephew.

"His uncle can't wait to take him to the ball games," Renata Estrada said. "We just hope he's happy in everything he does, and we hope he gets married and has kids so he can understand what we feel about how wonderful it is to have a kid.